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Food, family and memories are as intertwined in the South as if woven on the same thread. At any function we attend, from a party to a wedding to a funeral, we are as likely to talk as much about the food that was there, as we are about why we are gathered. ~Mary Foreman

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

A diner classic, Patty Melts are made with very thin, oval shaped burger patties, and served on thin grilled rye bread, with caramelized onion, and Swiss cheese. Just amazingly delicious!

Classic Patty Melt

Patty melts have been around forever and are a classic diner food, but I don't hear much about them anymore. I happen to love them though and what's not to love? A thin burger - read that again, thin burger - on grilled rye with caramelized onion, sandwiched between melted cheese - it's pretty much good ole comfort food. When's the last time you had one?

Now, from what I know, a classic patty melt is supposed to be made only with Swiss cheese, as in the above picture, but The Cajun prefers his with good ole American cheese. Some would say that is all wrong. I don't know...

Sure looks good to me. So I say, use whatever cheese makes you happy. Here's how to make them.

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Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Shape the meat into four oval shaped patties, place on the pan and put into the freezer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter in a cast iron skillet. Add the onion and cook over medium high, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes or until softened. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring regularly, until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion; set aside.

Sprinkle the meat patties with the garlic salt and pepper. Place into the same skillet, seasoning side down, and turn the heat back up to medium high. Cook until the patties are well browned on the underside, and mostly cooked through. Flip, scatter onions on top and place a slice of cheese on top of the onions. Cover with a lid and move off of the heat source to let the cast iron finish cooking through. If you are not using cast iron, you'll need to keep the burgers over direct heat until cooked through.

Generously butter one side of all of the bread slices. Place, butter side down into a fresh large non-stick skillet and place a slice of cheese on top of each slice of bread. Cook the bread until well browned on the underside. Top each bread slice with one of the meat patties and add some of the special sauce, if using. Top with a slice of buttered bread, butter side out, and carefully turn over to brown the other side, gently pressing down. Cook until well browned, transfer to serving plates and cut on a slight diagonal. Serve immediately.

Breakfast Melt: Add one fried egg, prepared to order, to each sandwich on top of the meat patty before adding final slice of bread and turning. May also substitute breakfast sausage for the beef.

Material Disclosure: Unless otherwise noted, you should assume that post links to the providers of goods and services mentioned, establish an affiliate relationship and/or other material connection and that I may be compensated when you purchase from a provider. You are never under any obligation to purchase anything when using my recipes and you should always perform due diligence before buying goods or services from anyone via the Internet or offline.

23 comments:

There is nothing better than a patty melt, nothing! I had one a few weeks ago, as a matter of fact. I'm not sure about the whole swiss cheese thing, but my DH also prefers american cheese. I'm not too particular, as long as there's plenty of caramelized onions. I would probably eat cardboard if you put enough caramelized onions on it, but that's just me.

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your furry baby. I lost my darling St. Bernard girl only 4 months ago so I so understand. I hope you are feeling better. I love a good patty melt, it's my fav sandwich. And the special sauce sounds yummers.Be well friend, says The Olde Bagg

I'm so terribly sorry about your dog. I'm not a dog lover, but I absolutely respect that they are members of the families of their owners and I know it's an awful loss.

I've seen your name pop up and being a lover of all things southern, kept meaning to stop by, but this is the first I've made it. I love me a good patty melt. In fact, I was devastated when I took the kids to Lonestar the other night (2 kids eat free per one adult on Tuesdays- YAY!) and they had changed the menu- the HORROR!

I was SO proud of myself after making these burgers. I have ALWAYS wanted to make a melt burger and I've never had any success. My hubby LOVED them too (and he's not an onion guy but he loved the whole sandwich). WHATTA HIT!!!

I just started following you on Facebook,, I don't know what happened with your dog, but my heart and soul are with you and your family. That breaks my heart to know what you are going through. My thought's and Prayers are with you, and I hope you heal soon, which from experience, I know that doesn't happen. Happier days to you, and yours,, thank you for all the recipes,, they are wonderful!!! <3

So sorry about your dog. I am a pet sitter and very attached to all of my clients. All my clients are dogs....(that was supposed to be funny, just probably isn't due to the timing). Do you know why they call this a "patty melt"? I've always wondered ... guess I need to Google that one!

Patty Melts are the best thing in the whole wide world. I made some recently that were virtually identical to your recipe, but used mayonnaise instead of butter on the grilling side of the bread. It was an interesting take on a classic and not half-bad. Less greasy than butter and a little crispier. Thanks for all your posts. I have never been disappointed yet and you are my go to blog!

Just found this recipe :)) Looks so delish! I was wondering how it would work if you placed pickles, lettuce and tomato on top of one already toasted slice then another slice of bread and toast it? Think I'm going to try :)

The Mary Foreman curse. I was looking for the hamburger steak in gravy recipe and stumbled on Patty Melts. I haven't had a good one in years (The Waffle House version is OK but just Ok) Oh my goodness are these good. The thousand island dressing just kicks it up a notch. I couldn't decide on Swiss or American cheese, so I made both. I think I like the American version, although both were REALLY good. Another home run, thank you so much for the recipe.

LOL Richard! You're so welcome though I think I'd prefer I be a blessing rather than a curse! :) I'm so glad that you happened upon this one on your travels here though - it's a personal favorite & so happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

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The classic southern plate for supper is made up of meat and three, cornbread or rolls & a tall glass of sweet iced tea.

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